2 '8o THE GROWTH OF BIOPLASM. 



ing process. The surgeon has discovered by experi- 

 ment, that, if he would promote a return to the healthy 

 state, he must endeavour to check the redundant 

 growth of this soft pulpy matter. Such a result may 

 be effected in many ways. Sometimes exposure to 

 air is sufficient to check the free growth of the soft 

 pultaceous matter, and cause its anatomical ele- 

 ments to dry and harden, so as to form a " scab," 

 beneath which a more lasting cuticular layer may be 

 afterwards slowly developed. If this should not, how- 

 ever, be the case, more potent means are resorted to. 

 Solutions, which have the property of coagulating 

 albumen are applied, or a stick of nitrate of silver is 

 smeared over the raw surface, or the latter is touched 

 with a crystal of sulphate of copper. The soft pulpy 

 rapidly growing structure consists of multitudes of 

 bioplasts, many of which are instantly destroyed by 

 the reagents above referred tc, while the free growth 

 of those just below the surface is retarded by the 

 action of the more diluted solution of the salt which 

 reaches them. The growing process thus directly 

 checked by our interference might be again promoted 

 by protecting the surface from the air and keeping it 

 warm and moist. When the surgeon applies caustics 

 and " stimulating" lotions of zinc, nitrate of silver, 

 alcohol, &c, he really, checks redundant growth, 

 instead of " exciting " increased and healthy action 

 as is usually asserted, action already excessive and 

 exhausting, and worse than useless, is reduced. The 



